A Perfect Circle Biography

A Perfect Circle was founded by Billy Howerdel (guitar) and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. After a few lineup changes, the most recent structure also includes the members Matt McJunkins and James Iha, ex-The Smashing Pumpkins. Their touring drummer is Jeff Friedl.

Early Years – Debut Album

Billy Howerdel has been a guitar technician for Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, Fishbone and Tool. After working with Tool, he befriended Maynard. Billy showed the vocalist some of his demo and Maynard got hooked. Together with Paz Lenchantin, Troy Van Leeuwen and Tim Alexander they played their first show in an LA club.

A Perfect Circle issued their first album Mer de Noms in 2000. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. Mer de Noms sold over 188,000 copies in only the first week of its release.

Further Career

After touring with Nine Inch Nails, Maynard released Lateralus with Tool and the band took a break. With a few changes regarding the lineup, the supergroup issued the second album Thirteenth Step in 2003. The positive reviews led to a third album, Emotive (2004). A Perfect Circle went on hiatus from 2005 to 2010. Maynard continued worked with Tool and Howerdel started the project Ashes Divide.

In 2010, the band began performing again. With performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Lollapalooza, the supergroup prepared their fans for the 2013 single “By and Down”. Currently, they are signed with BMG Rights Management and are preparing the release of their fourth studio album.

Photo Source: Discogs